The RMT has ended its long-running dispute with train operators, after its members voted by large majorities to accept the latest pay offer.

It is reported that staff at operators will receive a backdated increase on last year’s pay, worth 4.75 per cent, with a 4.5 per cent increase for this year. Pay at Network Rail will rise by 4.5 per cent this year.

The news has come just over a week since drivers belonging to ASLEF also voted to accept a new offer which had been made during talks at the Department for Transport.

The vote among RMT members at train operators was 98.8 per cent in favour, on a turnout of 80.7 per cent. At Network Rail, 88.7 per cent were in favour, and the turnout was 79.7 per cent.

The RMT said: ‘This outcome reflects the collective efforts of our membership in defending their jobs, working conditions, pay, and pensions from the attacks of the previous Tory government and their private contractors. We thank our members for their efforts during this long but successful campaign.’

The union also confirmed its commitment to public ownership of the railways. The Bill making nationalisation of the passenger operators the default rather than the last resort is due to be debated in the House of Lords on 7 October.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh said: ‘This is a necessary step towards fixing our railways and getting the country moving. It will ensure a more reliable service by helping to protect passengers from national strikes, and crucially, it clears the way for vital reform and modernising working practices to ensure a better performing railway for everyone.’